Omri Casspi’s big performance draws comparisons

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There were some ups and downs in the Rockets’ preseason opener Saturday night.

One of the ups was Omri Casspi – who the Rockets signed in July. Casspi hit 9-of-10 shots from the field and scored 20 points.

He was an offensive spark in the third and fourth quarters when the Rockets needed him. Coach Kevin McHale said that Casspi has to improve on defense, and if he does he could have a role similar to Carlos Delfino’s last season.

Delfino (who is currently on Milwaukee’s roster, but sitting out with an injury) played in 67 games for the Rockets last season and and scored 10.6 points per game.

Casspi spent two years in Sacramento and two years in Cleveland before being picked up by the Rockets.

“He’s going to have to develop,” McHale said. “He’s going to have to get comfortable with the way he plays. He’s similar to Carlos in that Carlos knew how to get open and was very smart, knew how to read stuff. He knew how to get in the open spot. Omri is the same way offensively. Defensively is where he’s got to get better. It’s where we really have to keep helping him out. He’s a diligent kid. He’ll get better.”